THY Turkish Arlines is understood to have selected the Airbus A330-200 to expand its widebody fleet, and is discussing an order with Airbus for three aircraft.
The deal, which Airbus officially declines to confirm, is reported to involve the conversion of the airline's three remaining A340 options to the smaller twinjet model, with deliveries slated to begin late next year.
Two aircraft will be delivered in late 2002 and the third in 2003, with the engine supplier yet to be decided. An A330/A340 simulator has also been ordered.
The decision to acquire the A330 follows a long-running battle between Airbus and Boeing to win the airline's fleet replacement order.
Boeing secured the bulk of the requirement in 1997 when it won a large order from THY for Boeing 737-800s, but the widebody component of the deal had yet to be completed.
The airline's widebody fleet comprises an all-Airbus mix of four A310-200s, seven A310-300s and seven A340-300s. THY has begun phasing out the A310s, with its remaining -200s going to Iran Air, and plans were recently announced to dispose of the -300s.
It is understood that the A330 order is conditional on the airline selling its A310-300s, and Airbus could be tasked with helping THY dispose of the twinjets as part of the deal. The airline will operate the A330s alongside the larger A340s on its long haul routes.
The 42-strong 737-400/500/800 fleet, which serves medium-haul routes, could be expanded if demand increases through the lease of additional aircraft.
Source: Flight International
